The Heritage Open Days are back from Friday 12th to Sunday 21st September, and there are plenty of places in Teesside getting involved! If you’re looking for a free day out with a bit of history thrown in for good measure, then this will be ideal for you.
In this blog post, I’ll be listing every Teesside location who are taking part in Heritage Open Days in alphabetical order and what they’re offering. Have a scroll and see what takes your fancy! Many of the below may need to be booked, so please click the links for more info.
What are Heritage Open Days?
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Darlington Library – guided tour of the library including basement areas not usually open to the public (Mon 15th, Tues 16th and Sat 20th) – tour of the library including some basement storage areas not normally open to the public. Building designed by local architect G. G. Hoskins, Grade II listed and refurbished in 2022-2023.
Guisborough Masonic Hall – guided tours (Sat 13th) – the Hall will be open to the public, with guided tours describing the history of the building, and a brief explanation about Freemasonry.
Holy Trinity Church, Darlington – open day (Sat 13th) – stewards will be on hand throught the day and interpretation boards give details of the key features of the church. Craft activities will be available, suitable for both children and adults. The church bells will be rung in the moning and there will be live musical performances from 2pm.
Holy Trinity Church, Seaton Carew – open day (Sat 13th) – explore the history and heritage of Holy Trinity Church, Seaton Carew, this Heritage Open Days festival. All are welcome!
Hopetown Darlington – Heritage Weekend (Sat 13th and Sun 14th) – this special event offers visitors of all ages a unique opportunity to explore and engage with a wide variety of historic and contemporary crafts. Throughout the weekend, guests can participate in hands-on workshops, learning directly from skilled artisans. Whether you’re interested in metalwork, willow weaving, clay modelling, basketry, or textile weaving, there’s something to spark everyone’s curiosity. Expert exhibitors will also be on-site, demonstrating their techniques and sharing insights into the rich traditions behind their crafts.
Land Of Iron – free exhibition entry (Sat 13th and Sat 20th) – journey back to a different time with the aid of photographs, mementos and objects that tell a fascinating story of the life and work of the miners and their families. The interactive exhibition is designed with every age in mind. Access to the exhibition normally costs £6 but on Saturday 13th September and Saturday 20th September, visitors will be able to visit Land of Iron free of charge and without booking.
Middlesbrough Masonic Hall – guided tours (Sat 20th) – you will be able to take a free guided tour of the Masonic Hall, and hopefully gain answers to any questions you may have. The Lodge Room will be laid out for a ceremony, and there will be regalia on display. You will then be able to enjoy refreshments in the Hall, provided by the Zetland Ladies’ Club, who are the wives, widows, partners and daughters of Freemasons.
Ormesby Hall – free entry (Fri 12th to Sun 14th) – a classic Georgian mansion with a listed stable block, surrounded by 240 acres of parkland and farmland, which offer year-round seasonal walks with a colourful Victorian formal garden accompanying the mansion. The formal garden boasts colourful seasonal displays and established herbaceous borders, with a wildflower meadow, orchard and pond creating a green oasis.
Saxons, Mill and Beck, Billingham – guided walk (Sat 20th) – a lovely circular walk around the Saxons, Mill and Beck in Billingham with stops at St Cuthbert’s Church, the crucifixion tree, the site of Norton Mill and the old Mill Leat, and more.
St Andrew’s Church, Darlington – drop in tours (Sat 13th and Sat 20th) – discover an ancient Norman church, c.1125, listed with Grade I status, with Saxon relics. The oldest church in Darlington. Very rare woodwork, designed by the Rt Revd Cosin in the 17th century, ancient brasses and hatchments. As part of the 900th Celebrations there is an exhibition, in the church, entitled ‘Images of Haughton’.
St Cuthbert’s Church, Billingham – church history tour (Mon 15th to Sat 20th) – the church’s history goes back to the 9th Century when Bishop Ecgred of Lindisfarne built the original church, which became the property of the community of St Cuthbert. Part of the tower on todays church survives from the 10th Century.
St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington – drop in tours (Sat 13th and Sat 20th) – this church has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. It is a Grade I listed building, known for its architectural grandeur and connections to the life and legacy of St. Cuthbert. Come and look at their plans for the future, whilst embracing the past.
St Cuthbert’s Church, Marton – drop in tours (Sat 20th) – St Cuthbert’s Church Marton will be open to explore from 10am-4pm. There will be a particular focus on Mousey Thompson pieces in the church. There will also be presentation of recent research into various aspects of the church, done by members of the recently started St Cuthbert’s Heritage Discovery Group.
St Hilda’s Church, Hartlepool – open days (dates across Fri 12th to Sun 21st) – enjoy the creativity of the 12th century builders of the church, working in the new Early English style of architecture. See the ways in which, at various times in its existence, the building was altered to accommodate the worship styles of the times. Learn about the imaginative restoration in the early 20th century of parts of the building which had fallen into disrepair. See the artistic contribution of the stained glass windows.
St John the Baptist Church, Hartlepool – open days (Sat 13th and Sun 20th) – head to St John the Baptist Church where they’ll have the Church history on display – from old parish magazines dating back to 1800s, to architecture layouts of the Church building or old photos of Church events.
St Paul’s Church, Thornaby – open day (Sat 20th) – come and see the beautiful stained glass windows, displays of vestments, flags, flowers and wedding dresses, and bell tower tour.
Tees Barrage – 30th anniversary control room tours (Fri 19th) – the Tees Barrage is celebrating the 30th Anniversary of its opening of the iconic control room structure as part of Heritage Open Days. Learn more about how the barrage works from the expert team during a short tour of the control room, and hear more about the heritage of the area from the Heritage Advisor.
Westbrook, Darlington – guided walk (Sat 20th) – Westbrook is an oasis of calm and birdsong in the heart of the Hopetown quarter of Darlington. This walk will coincide with the S&DR200 celebrations, so it’s the perfect opportunity to dive into railway history.
Where will you be visiting during the Heritage Open Days?
